I have the following thoughts:

-I've noticed that projection type housings for HID's (like those on the s2000) are more annoying to other drivers because the beam is so "sharp" and focused. The projection housing combined with the bobbing of the car due to a stiff suspension causes the beam to change all different colors and angles, making it more annoying. Other cars that have projection housings for their HID's are the Audi A6's. I've had those cars behind me too and have noticed the color changes (although not as rapidly because the suspension is not nearly as stiff). Cars with non-projector housings are not nearly as troublesome. There are no funky color changes and the only thing you see is a solid, soft, blended white light.

-The USA today article makes a great point on those aftermarket Xenon Light bulbs which offer "HID peformance", when in reality, they do nothing more than change the color of the light. As the article points out, it is NOT the xenon gas which provides the HID color. Frankly, I don't like those aftermarket bulbs. There is no way a $50 set of bulbs (or even $110 set, as offered by PIAA) can replicate, duplicate, substitute, or imitate such an advanced system. Also, if I can't have the real HID's I don't want something that will only offer the "look".

-On people being bothered by HID's. The sun is way brighter but we don't complain about that because we know better than to STARE AT IT!

 

Redleader,

ThoseHID look bulbs are dangerous. The color blue scatters and those bulbs have a blue tine on the bulb. This causes the light to scatter and as such they illuminate less. Then they sell 100 watt versions of these bulbs and that is what is blinding people.

Lance

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by nibble
[B]'Do you like other people?'

 

Ever driven west 20 minutes before sunset. Ban it I say, ban it!

 

HIDs are the BEST thing on our Stook. I bought the S because it came with HID . The S would be useless without the HID.LOl

 

I believe that vehicles w/ tall ride heights and Halogen headlights are much more dangerous than vehicles w/ low ride heights and HID headlights. In other words, unless you need a large vehicle for work purposes, get your ass out of the Excursion and into a car!

 

actualy i have seen a GMC Yukon Denali that i swore had hid lights, it had the white tint and all.

 

Excellent article. I sit on several aviation advisory counsels and heard about this issue a while back. We used to have cockpit glare problems at night which where widely studied with government funds (don't ya know). Actually the xenon HID (as used on the S2000) is under very serious scientific scrutiny at this point in time. If you recall your high school biology class you will remember the concept of "rods" and "cones" in the eye. A quick glance at a Xenon HID bulb changes the relative mix of the rods and cones in the eye.....it then takes a short period of time to refocus. In safety circles this is known as "blue dazzle". I would not doubt that we will see US legislation within the next year, sooner if more accidents are "blue dazzle" related. What about Europe?.....your not in Europe! Ever see the difference in getting drugs to market here and there. My only question is whether the legislation will be going forward or retroactive. Could add to the collector car value of this series car.

 

P.S. There was recently an excellent article in one of the major auto mags on this subject...anyone have a reference for our readers?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AusS2000
[B][QUOTE]Originally posted by nibble
[b]'Do you like other people?'